1- Serviço de Neurologia Pediátrica, Hospital Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa
2- Serviço de Neuropediatria, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto
- 13th International Child Neurology Congress, Iguazu Brasil, 4-9 Maio 2014 (poster)
Cape Verde is a developing African country with 500.000 habitants, 60% of them under 25 years old. From past history until nowadays, there has been a privileged relationship with Portugal, namely in Health care. Cape Verde has one of the best health care indexes of Africa but they don´t have pediatric neurologists. Since 2011, a Cooperation Project has been developed between the two central Hospitals and three Portuguese pediatric neurologists. Until now, 4 missions took place and recently it was recognized as an International Cooperation Project by the Health Governmental authorities of both countries. The main objectives are the assistance of children with neurological disorders and the capacitation of local doctors in its management. The patients are consulted in collaboration with local neurologist (one to all islands) and pediatricians, improving the diagnosis and treatment with local resources and helping in the judicious selection of who need to be evacuated to Portugal. The most prevalent pathologies evaluated were epilepsy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, developmental delay, hydrocephalus and neuromuscular disorders. In each mission, educational sessions were performed, about these pathologies for local doctors and nurses. Since the first mission, difficulties were experienced in the access to diagnostic exams (neuroimaging and EEG) and to neurosurgery procedures (there is no local neurosurgeon). In order to improve this situation, the project was extended and two neurosurgeons joined us. We think that this Collaboration Project may be a model to develop Pediatric Neurology in African countries in order to improve the health care of children.
Palavras Chave: Cabo Verde, cooperação, doença neurológica